The present collection of calligraphy and paintings offers a unique glimpse into the elegant life of the Chinese literati from the 19th to the early 20th century. Diligently amassed by a scholar-gentleman, the collection consists of calligraphy by not only calligraphers but also erudite scholars who served as politicians and government officials. These men, including Xu Shujun (1842-1910), were well versed in the four arts of the traditional scholar – as evidenced by the quality of the calligraphy in the present lots. Often sets of fan leaves were dedicated to the same person on special occasions, bearing testament to the social network of elegant exchange.

Although an engineer by profession, the collector of these items was born into a literary family in southern China and loved Chinese traditional literature, arts and scholarship throughout his life. He practiced calligraphy diligently and skillfully and befriended many artists and scholars, who shared his interests.